British Showcase (15*) + Filmmaker Introduction
London International Animation Festival 2024
Independent British animated films have carved out a unique niche in the cinematic landscape, characterised by their distinct artistic styles and innovative storytelling.
These films explore themes of identity, culture, and social issues, reflecting the diverse experiences of contemporary Britain. With smaller budgets and a focus on creativity, independent animators often experiment with various techniques, from hand-drawn animation to stop-motion, allowing for a personal touch that resonates with audiences. This dynamic sector not only enriches the animation medium but also fosters a sense of community among filmmakers dedicated to pushing boundaries and exploring new narratives.
Nobody screens more British animation than LIAF and this snapshot of the state of British animation paints a vibrant picture of a spirited and imaginative animation nation. Before the screening there is a chance to meet many of the animators and hear them talk about their films as they take to the stage to introduce their films.
Running time: Approx 105 mins total (85 mins screening plus 20 mins intro)
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Booking fees
£1.50 booking fee per online/phone transaction.
No fee when tickets are booked in person.
Booking fees are per transaction and not per ticket. If your booking contains several events the highest booking fee will apply. The booking fee may be reduced on certain events. Members do not pay booking fees.
London International Animation Festival
The UK’s largest and longest-running animation festival, dedicated to screening the best of the world’s independent films and celebrating the diversity and creativity of this unique art form.
22 Nov - 2 Dec
Let our screens bring you closer
Programme
Alan the Infinite
On Alan's first day of his internship he unleashes cosmic, supernatural forces into the office.
UK 2024 Dir: Mikey Please and Dan Ojari 10 min
Waldeinsamkeit
An old lady feels alienated from modern city life, but when she embarks on a magical dreamlike journey, she finds wonder and a newfound appreciation for the place she lives in.
UK, Germany 2023 Dir: Silvana Roth 4 min
And Then They
A collage of diverse voices emerge as people are interviewed about Alex, unravelling door-sized quirks, swamp-dwelling aspirations, and mud-rolling weekends. As each memory unfolds, the film becomes a poignant exploration of identity.
UK 2024 Dir: Shaun Clark 8 min
Plunge
Katie’s incredible journey to regain control of her life through reconnecting to the sea.
UK 2024 Dir: Ellie Land 8 min
Sour Days
Sour Days follows the character of Mirah and her pursuit of a normal day amongst a drowning environment.
UK 2023 Dir: Faye Ameera Saffron Craig 5 min
Potter's Mirror
A Man is forced to escape his own mind through a window. The uncanny rituals of life and death and his mental deterioration make him question the nature of being human.
UK 2024 Dir: Katherine O'Connor 9 min
For You (Per Te)
A touching letter from a father to his two-year-old son, capturing a summer day in the park - a world filled with wonders yet to be discovered, while an uncertain future casts a shadow on the horizon.
UK 2023 Dir: Luca Paulli 3 min
Paper Thin
A young boy draws in his notebook to try and escape the horrors of the world around him.
UK 2024 Dir: Harry Plowden 11 min
In Sync with the Sun
In an artificial world caught in the cycle of obsessive productivity, one human struggling to keep up is faced with a choice.
UK 2024 Dir: Emily Downe 4 min
It's OK
'Joe' recounts his experience with ketamine addiction and the subsequent road to recovery, providing an insightful look into the realities of overcoming dependency.
UK 2024 Dir: Rosy Turner 3 min
It All Comes Down
Three generations of women sit around a table. A granddaughter asks questions. A memory from the past resurfaces. It all comes down, no matter what.
UK 2024 Dir: Meg Earls 6 min
Making Mountains
A chaotic stream of consciousness, expressing the escalating thoughts and feelings of a person navigating the difficulties of explaining her anxious mind.
UK 2023 Dir: Sammi Duong 2 min
Guts
Guts is about trying to hide the parts of ourselves that we don’t like in order to feel accepted.
UK 2024 Dir: Jane Abernethy 3 min
And Granny Would Dance
Marmar listens to the stories told by her grandmother’s friends as they play an illicit game of cards. Based on childhood memories and shared stories - a tale of love, grief and resilience. At its heart, it is a tribute to the solidarity of Iranian women.
UK 2024 Dir: Maryam Mohajer 10 min
Cinema 1
Location
Barbican Cinema 1 is located within the main Barbican building on Level -2. Head to Level G and walk towards the Lakeside Terrace where you’ll find stairs and lifts to take you down to the venue floor.
Address
Barbican Centre
Silk Street, London
EC2Y 8DS
Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.
Location
Barbican Cinema 2 & 3 are located on Beech Street, a short walk from the Barbican’s Silk Street entrance. From Silk Street, you’ll see a zebra crossing that will take you over the road to the venue.
Address
Beech Street, London
EC2Y 8DS
Nearby public transport
We are within walking distance from a number of London Underground stations, the closest being Barbican, St Paul’s and Moorgate. The nearest train stations are Liverpool Street and Farringdon. Bus Route 153 runs directly past the Barbican along Chiswell Street
Car and bicycle parking
We have free bicycle spaces and paid car parking spaces available
We’ve plenty of places for you to relax and replenish, from coffee and cake to wood-fired pizzas and full pre-theatre menus
Access
Level access from the Pit floor foyer only to the two boxes (see Mobility below). All other seats lead off stepped aisles.
Mobility
Two boxes at the rear of the auditorium each have space for one wheelchair user and a companion. Please book early and ask for these seats.
Assistance dogs
Assistance dogs may be taken into the cinema – please tell us when booking, to ensure your seat has enough space. If you prefer, you may leave your dog with a member of the foyer staff during the performance.
Hearing facility
There is an induction loop in the auditorium. You can use this by adjusting your hearing aid to the ‘T’ setting.
For more access information, please visit our Accessibility section.
Access
Cinemas 2 & 3 are located at Beech Street, a short walk from the Barbican Centre’s main Silk Street entrance. There are a couple of steep, dropped kerbs and an incline to negotiate between the two sites. Level access from Beech Street.
Mobility
Each auditorium has three permanent wheelchair spaces (two in the third row and one in the front row) and 153 fixed seats with capacity for a further three spaces in the front row. Access to each auditorium is up a ramp. There are also a number of seats with step-free access.
Assistance dogs
Assistance dogs may be taken into the cinema – please tell us when booking to ensure your seat has enough space. If you prefer, you may leave your dog with a member of the foyer staff during the performance.
Hearing facility
An infrared system for hard of hearing customers is provided in each auditorium; headsets or neck loops can be collected from foyer staff. The ticket desk counter is fitted with an induction loop.
For more access information, please visit our Accessibility section.